Review Dell Latitude E6430 Notebook

Ivy evolution. It took a bit over a year before Dell updated its new Latitude range business laptops for the known reasons. Our review reveals which new features we can expect apart from Intel's latest Ivy Bridge generation - and what the 14-inch business device has to set against the prestigious competition.

Malicious tongues may say: "Nothing's changed except for the keyboard bezel color and the model number". We don't quite agree though - after all, newer processors and even USB 3.0 ports are now installed. However, a lot of things have been maintained. Indeed, the keyboard's reddish rim has been replaced by a charcoal black, and as we believe, more business appropriate one. Otherwise, we are facing the same bulky and solid case that we examined extensively last year in the Latitude E6420.

Our test configuration adds up to about 1225 Euros (~$1581) plus shipping and thus offers a solid value for money ratio. However, the competition was not idle during the past year and released (partly updated) models in the price range of 1200 to 1500 Euros (~$1548 to $1935) on the market. Our test device's competition will be found in 14-inch top-of-the-range models, such as Lenovo's ThinkPad T430, HP's Elitebook 8460p or other solid business laptops like Toshiba's Tecra R840.

Case

The E6430 is based on a well-manufactured magnesium/aluminum chassis...

...that is characterized by excellent rigidness.

Since the case is identical to the previous model, with the exception of the keyboard's charcoal colored bed, as mentioned above, we would refer to the in-depth 2011 review of the E6420. Here is a summary:

The subjective first impression is solid - as usual. Dell touts the so-called Tri-Metal case to be in accordance with a military standard (i.e. referring to the case stability). Materials such as aluminum and magnesium (mainly for the chassis) are installed, partly interwoven, to achieve the desired robustness.

The rigidness is still top-notch. Nothing yields, warps or dents. The hinges look like they could carry a much heavier burden, but they nevertheless allow us to open the lid easily and keep it precisely in the set opening angle (maximum approx. 185°). A lightly rubberized surface is used in the input devices' area. Apart from the wrist rest's subtle rattle when we "tapped" on it, we did not notice anything negative - the E6430's case makes a flawless impression.

Connectivity

The majority of ports have not been modified either. Except for the fact that now the much faster USB 3.0 standard is supported (2 ports on the case's right) in contrast to the E6420 precursor, the available interfaces and their positioning is unchanged. This upgrade eliminates one of the biggest criticisms of the predecessor, where USB 3.0 was only available as a third-party accessory, and had to be swapped with the optical drive. This naturally angered many customers and was controversial in our forum.

The left rear corner harbors the power socket, RJ45 LAN port and a powered USB 2.0 port (for charging smartphones when the laptop is off), and a VGA out for connecting older monitors and projectors as well as a combo audio jack. A SmartCard reader is also located at the front left edge.

On the opposite side, on the right's front edge, you will find a 54 mm ExpressCard slot and a slider switch for enabling/disabling wireless modules (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth), 2 USB 3.0 ports and a combined USB-2.0 / eSATA port. An HDMI port and a connection for Kensington laptop locks are distributed around the right rear corner.

An SD Acard reader is located on the front and - when required - a 56K modem can be installed at the rear. In addition to that, there is a docking port on the case's bottom as usual.

The customer's security needs should be covered to a certain degree in the business field. Not for nothing does Dell install a SmartCard reader that manages access control when required in addition to the almost compulsory fingerprint scanner. A TPM (Trusted Platform Module) alongside software for data encryption and protection supplies everything that the business heart desires.

Accessories

Apart from the user's manual, a bit of information from the manufacturer, DVDs for the operating system, drivers as well as Dell's software and the PSU, there are no accessories in the original box. Of course you can buy or order a lot of accessories online or by phone as usual. They range from expansions for the DVD drive bay, such as docking stations (160 to 180 Euros/~$206 to $232) up to rather "common" accessories like mice, keyboards, external monitors and even laptop bags. A higher capacity, 9-cell battery to replace our 6-cell version, for example, costs an additional 59 Euros (~$76) and might be an interesting option for mobile customers.

Maintenance

Replacing the optical drive or the hard disk is very simple: Both components are (left/right on the case's bottom) installed in slots and are easy to access from the outside. The DVD drive can be easily pulled out via a retractable catch, and be replaced by various accessories from Dell. Two cross slot screws have to be removed before taking out and replacing the hard disk. Another five screws have to be removed before the magnesium base plate opens to reveal a glimpse at the rest of the hardware. For example, the working memory can be exchanged or upgraded here (one slot is empty in our model).

Warranty

Dell normally provide their Latitude customers with a 36-month basic warranty on hardware. Of course, it is also possible to take advantage of online or telephone support for smaller issues. Moreover, you can also order Dell's 3-year ProSupport and on-site service for 154 Euros (~$199) instead of this standard warranty.

Input Devices

Keyboard

As expected from a business laptop in this price range, a full-sized keyboard is installed although without a number pad due to the case's 14-inch size. Subjectively, typing on this sample is very pleasant. The pressure point is nice and crisp. Typing however sounds a bit louder than usual and a bit clattery, which is quite contrary to the keyboard's solid, tactile feedback.

The keys' surface is again soft in contrast to the competition, but it is a lot sleeker - almost like Apple's keyboards. Other goodies include a backlit keyboard with 5 brightness levels and liquid ducts that, for example, conduct spilled coffee away from vital electronics to the outside. A track point is embedded in the center area that, similar to the touchpad, is to execute mouse movements. But more about that in the following paragraphs.

Touchpad

Dell does a virtually perfect job when it comes to the mouse replacement installed in the Latitude E6430. The touchpad's very subtly roughened surface lets you glide over it with ease and the pointer navigates precisely and accurately over the screen. Both soft-click buttons are located beneath the touchpad and are dedicated. They feature an agreeably long keystroke and can be pressed simultaneously to simulate a center wheel click.

The touchpad supports multi-touch gestures, such as pinch-to-zoom or popular two-finger scrolling and we were awed about its sleek feel in the test. Thus, scrolling is very smooth - almost like those from MacBooks - even and suave. You are transported gently to the top of a website in no time when two fingers quickly swipe upward.

Of course, some business people have been using track points since their invention. The Latitude also adequately caters to this target group. The track point features a non-slip, dotted rubber surface. The three corresponding toggle buttons - between the keyboard and touchpad - do their job accurately and bid a crisp pressure point without making noise.

Eager users might object that some keys on the Latitude are no longer dedicated (e.g. print or break via the function key as a secondary assignment of another key) and are thus more difficult to trigger. However, the input devices' other qualities convinced us completely.

Keyboard

Touchpad + track point

Display

You can only recognize displayed content in the shade or cloudy conditions (as here) outdoors.

Our Latitude test device features a low-end 14-inch screen (CMO 1469) with a resolution of 1366x768. It is not a tragedy that most contenders of this price range use a higher resolution of 1600x900 and consequently offer a lot more desktop on the same space - a sharper HD+ screen is available for the E6430 for a mere 34 Euros (~$44) extra (tested in the precursor).

Although we would recommend taking advantage of this low-priced upgrade (it is a great value), the given resolution of this screen is sufficient for most office tasks. Subjectively, it even renders a fairly pleasant picture due to not over saturated, but nevertheless vivid colors, and a balanced color temperature. The matte surface also helps prevent reflections. The maximum brightness of 206 cd/m2 only allows indoor use or in shady areas outdoors. The screen is not suitable for use in direct sunlight since it cannot defy the sun.

The other measured data clearly show that this is not a screen for professionals. The very bad black value of 1.49 cd/m2 gives an equally bad contrast ratio of mere 138:1. Consequently, the gradation looks undefined, especially in dark movie sequences, somewhat faded and grayish.

The viewing angle stability is satisfactory considering the low-end TN screen. They remain fairly stable even up to more extreme angles where the colors begin to invert. However, the colors lose a bit of their intensity in the course. Particularly the black hues fade even more when the vertical viewing angle is altered.

The reproducible color space is on a par with other budget screens - so very limited. The sRGB standard is not achieved here either. Graphic designers and photographers who need a precise color reproduction should consider other laptops (e.g. Lenovo's ThinkPad W530). Be that as it may, we would like to take this opportunity to again recommend the very affordable screen upgrade. It features a much higher brightness (and so outdoor suitability) and also implements a modern, competitive resolution of 1600x900 pixels.

E6430 vs. sRGB

Viewing angle test

Performance

The Latitude E6430 is available in configurations for around 1000 Euros (~$1290, including shipping and VAT) to well over twice as much. This covers processors and storage devices of virtually every price and performance range. However, a dedicated graphics card in the form of NVIDIA's NVS 5200M can also be added to the order for 77 Euros (~$99).

The customer is free to order a tailor-made E6430. We believe we are testing a reasonably configured and affordable (1235 Euros/~$1594 plus shipping) but nevertheless fast laptop. The Core i5-3320M (2.6 - 3.3 GHz) from the latest Ivy Bridge processor generation alongside the integrated graphics solution (Intel's HD Graphics 4000) and 4 GB of working memory should be suitable for most routine tasks (up to occasional video editing).

The conventional 500 GB hard disk can be swapped with faster, but much more expensive 128 to 256 GB SSDs (about 100 - 280 Euros extra/~$129 - $361) while ordering. They speed up the system significantly. But our low-priced configuration was actually fast enough most of the time during the test.

Systeminformationen Dell Latitude E6430

Processor

"Worst case" in CB 11.5 - we think it is still fast.

Intel's Core i5-3320M (details here) offers quite a lot for its comparatively low price in view of a default clock of 2.6 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.3 GHz and Hyperthreading technology. If that was too much jargon in a single breath, we will let the practical rates give you an impression of the CPU's performance in the following.

Using Cinebench R11.5 (64-bit, single), we first test how well Turbo Boost speeds up the processor or whether there are any throttling issues, or if it is slowed down due to temperatures. The Latitude E6430 excels in this test: It achieves the 15th overall place of all previously tested devices, which proves that the business laptop accelerates processes that only need one core properly. HWInfo illustrates, as seen in the right screenshot, that Turbo works efficiently and, above all, permanently. Even in the slowest measured speed (see right screenshot) one core appears to be pinned down at the maximum clock (3.3 GHz). However, both cores usually remain above 3 GHz.

This shows that it simply does not make sense to invest a lot of money in an expensive quad-core CPU for most applications (excepting highly parallelized ones such as video editing or high-end games). Our Core i5-3320M is even partly faster than laptops featuring a Core i7-3615QM! Even the Core i7-3520M in the more expensive ThinkPad T430 is only faster by an insignificant 6%.

The multithread test, where processors can benefit from every additional core, is also finished well. Our device is located in the midfield. The ThinkPad now has an 8% lead, HP's Elitebook 8460p featuring a Core i7-2620M from the outdated Sandy Bridge generation lags behind our Latitude by 1%. Toshiba's Tecra R840 featuring a Sandy Bridge Core i5-2520M falls behind by 7% and extracts a surprising amount from the somewhat slower processor.

We conclude: performance doesn't have to be very expensive; all devices here are roughly on a par in terms of performance. The Toshiba and our Latitude are even about 300 Euros (~$387) cheaper than the HP or Lenovo.

System Performance

PCMark 7 results

The subjective speed is very constant and fast in routine use. There are no annoying stutters when watching HD videos on YouTube, no long delays mar the positive impression that the Latitude E6430 made until now. That is impressive since we mostly work in Dell's Quiet, energy-saving, mode. This mode sets the fan speed to minimum and adapts the system's performance accordingly.

However, we also want an objective basis for comparison and thus we unleashed our business device on PCMark Vantage and PCMark 7 in its so-called "Ultra-Performance Mode". Lenovo's T430 and HP's 8460p should have a considerable advantage here since they ultimately use a dedicated graphics card. However, our test device does not fall as far behind as we expected. It only lags 4% behind the HP and 12% behind the Lenovo in PCMark Vantage. The Lenovo is even surpassed by about 20% in PCMark 7 and the HP even lags behind by 35%. This great result is achieved because our Latitude's computation score, the computing-intensive test range, places it at the top with a big gap to all previously tested laptops with its computation score (26762 points). It is impressive just how much can be squeezed out of the comparatively cheap hardware.

Storage Devices

HDTune Seagate Momentus 500 GB

CrystalDiskMark Seagate Momentus 500 GB

Our Latitude E6430 proved to be a pretty good performer until now. But how does the hard disk fit in the overall picture? When we speak of the HDD, we mean the 500 GB, fast spinning 7200 RPM Seagate Momentus model that did not exhibit any subjective irregularities during the test in our case.

HDTune confirms this subjective performance. Averaging 93.7 MB/s, this storage device processes the demanded data relatively fast - considering that we are not dealing with a swift flash memory as installed in SSDs. This measured rate has to be seen as good; only the ThinkPad T430's hard disk is a bit faster with 99 MB/s. The Elitebook 8460p's average transfer rate is even roughly one-fifth slower.

We use CrystalDiskMark to assess the performance when loading small files, important when booting the operating system, for example. To be more specific, the 4K and 4KQD32 read speeds are of interest us. An overall awe-inspiring rate is not achieved here with 0.35 MB/s and 0.79 MB/s, though it is not bad compared with the competition. The Lenovo reads the small files about one-fifth slower and the HP is insignificantly faster (max. 8%). If you really want programs to load fast, you should install a SSD during the configuration. However, if you are accustomed to conventional hard disks, you will generally be pleasantly surprised by the speed of the HDD in our test device.

Intel's integrated graphics processor (IGP) of the latest Ivy Bridge processor generation, the HD Graphics 4000 in our case, accelerates all routine tasks, starting with HD videos up to games, smoothly in low details. If you are neither a gamer nor work in the CAD field, you probably do not need a dedicated graphics card nowadays.

Our test device lags behind Lenovo's T430 by 70% in 3DMark Vantage, but it is not a tragedy and simply exhibits the speed advantage of the latter's dedicated NVS 5400M in contrast to the HD Graphics 4000. However, even when compared with laptops using the same CPU & GPU - we opted for Fujitsu's 12-inch Lifebook P772 here - our laptop is roughly 25% slower. The Fujitsu is only 12% faster in 3DMark 11. This comparison is put in perspective considering that some laptops that feature the same graphics are approximately 40% slower than our test device. The following gaming benchmarks are more significant in real-life anyway.

As a bestselling building strategy game, Anno 2070 has always been a part of our test repertoire and is plays well even on somewhat slower laptops. The E6430 produces very smooth gameplay on the screen with 42 frames per second in low details and a resolution of 1024x768. It is thus also one of the fastest laptops featuring Intel's HD Graphics 4000. Playable refresh rates of 21 fps are still achieved in medium details and the native resolution of 1366x768. However, high settings should be avoided because 14 fps leads to considerable stuttering.

FIFA 2012 is fairly easy on resources and thus pleases sport fans. The Latitude still allows high details and 2 x anti-aliasing in its native resolution. 31 fps are still playable; everything below that is jerky. Compared with laptops using the same GPU, the Latitude is in the upper midfield and stays fairly quiet at the same time.

Finally, Metro 2033 proves that our laptop's IGP is not designed for games. Most scenes can still be enjoyed fairly smoothly with 30 fps in low details and a resolution of 800x600 in DX9 mode. However, the native resolution and medium details in DX10 mode is closer to a flip book due to 15 fps.

Basically, it is possible to play an occasional game on the Latitude in minimum settings. There are, however, more suitable laptops for games on the market.

Emissions

System Noise

The Latitude E6430's fan behavior is very convincing. In addition to the three standard Windows energy-saving modes, Dell includes a few of its own. Among them, you will find the "Quiet Mode" where the fan's speed stays on the lowest possible level and the processor's performance is completely adapted to the temperature management. So, all performance reserves made available by the low fan speed is furthered to the processor.

This works well in practical use. Although the laptop is never completely quiet when idling, its fan and hard disk noise are at an acceptable level of 34 dB(A). Nevertheless, the available power is sufficient for all routine tasks - from watching an HD video on YouTube up to office tasks - at a consistent noise level. The fan's noise is not a high-pitched squeal, but rather has a pleasant characteristic and it spins along in a low-frequency, quiet manner.

Up to 41.3 dB(A) are achieved during full load. However, the average of 38.4 dB(A) is within the range of the competing products used for comparison. Many are even a bit quieter when idling, but this is leveled again by the somewhat louder, maximum full load rates that were determined. If we had to choose a winner, it would be the ThinkPad T430 because of its measured rates. However, we can also warmly recommend our Latitude due to the well-designed energy-saving and fan profiles.

Noise Level

Idle

33.7 / 33.9 / 35.7 dB(A)

HDD

34 dB(A)

DVD

37.7 / dB(A)

Load

38.4 / 41.3 dB(A)

30 dBsilent

40 dB(A)audible

50 dB(A)loud

min: , med: , max: Voltcraft sl-320 (15 cm distance)

Temperature

Stress test start

Stress test end

The temperature produced on the Latitude E6430's top and bottom is agreeably moderate. During low load, or while performing routine tasks such as Web surfing or Office tasks, the top and bottom stay nice and cool with approx 29 °C and 29.6 °C. The fact that the lower vents are only placed in the center alongside the extreme opening angle results in a recommendation for use on the lap. Obviously Dell did some thinking: The laptop can "breathe", does not get too hot and we do not have to twist or burn ourselves when on the go.

The Latitude reveals its hot-headed nature after an hour of stress testing. Now we measure up to 49 °C on both the top and bottom in the vent's area. The surfaces get quite warm with an average of 39 °C. The ThinkPad T430 even gets a bit warmer, the Tecra R840 is a bit cooler and the Elitebook 8460p stays almost unperturbedly cool (only around 30 °C). These extreme loads are however only achieved during full load induced by simultaneous use of Prime95 & FurMark for one hour. This is unlikely in a business laptop's everyday use; the low load test is more significant here.

Nevertheless, we really like the fact that both the CPU (3.1 GHz) and the GPU (1.2 GHz) exploit Turbo Boost to the full even after an hour of stress testing at a core temperature of roughly 87 °C. Even throttling is not an issue - great!

(-) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 38.2 °C / 101 F, compared to the average of 29.4 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 33.9 °C / 93 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.(-) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 49 °C / 120 F, compared to the average of 36.4 °C / 98 F(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 29 °C / 84 F, compared to the device average of 29.4 °C / 85 F.(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 39.7 °C / 103.5 F. (-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 28.3 °C / 82.9 F (-11.4 °C / -20.6 F).

Speakers

The installed stereo speakers are of fair or average quality. Thus, they do not feature an exceptional sound, but do not exhibit any significant weaknesses either. The output quality is acceptable although there is a somewhat muffled characteristic. In return, the sound is fairly balanced. The trebles neither make an exaggerated nor overly sharp impression. The speakers do a good job with voice output.

Although basses are delivered, they are really only implied. The maximum volume is loud enough to fill a medium-sized room with sound. Nevertheless, it is recommended to connect a sound system because the given sound is not especially satisfactory here.

Battery Life

Power Consumption

Our laptop proves to be very energy efficient with a power consumption of 7.4 - 10.7 Watts at idle. Particularly the ThinkPad T430 and Elitebook 8460p have to provide more and brighter pixels alongside a dedicated graphics card and thus need around 5 Watts more.

Our Latitude E6430 consumes just as little energy as the Elitebook during full load (Prime95 + FurMark) with 50.4 Watts. The ThinkPad requires up to 84 Watts due to its powerful GPU.

So, we see that our test device is the most energy-efficient model in the compared test field.

Power Consumption

Off / Standby

0.1 / 0.5 Watt

Idle

7.4 / 9.8 / 10.7 Watt

Load

38 / 50.4 Watt

Key:
min: ,
med: ,
max: Voltcraft VC 940

Battery Runtime

With its 6-cell battery that has a capacity of 62 Wh according to HWiNFO, our Latitude lasted for 8h and 46min in the Battery Eater Reader's benchmark before it had to be reconnected to the mains again (minimum brightness, disabled WLAN and enabled energy-savings mode). Thus, you may be pleased if you like to read eBooks on the go.

Of course, our standardized Wi-Fi browsing test is more interesting for most readers as it allows conclusions on battery life in real-world conditions. Here, a few websites and online media (e.g. HD videos on YouTube) are visited via a script using enabled energy-savings mode and a screen brightness of roughly 150 cd/m2. Our Latitude lasts for 5h and 36min and is on a par with the Tecra R840. The Elitebook 8460p lags behind with 5h and 13min and, with its much bigger 94 Wh, 9-cell battery, Lenovo's ThinkPad T430 only extracts about an hour more with 6h 29min. As mentioned, a battery with the same capacity is also available for our Latitude for fairly low 59 Euros (~$76) extra and it should be good for up to seven hours away from the mains.

It is even possible to take DVDs along with you on the go. 4h 54min should be enough to easily watch two average-length blockbusters before the battery is drained.

Our test device is exhausted after 1h 42min of heavy load (Battery Eater Classic). Thus, it also fares very well here and lasts roughly 20min longer than the comparison devices with a 6-cell battery. This confirms that the E6430 is more energy efficient than its contenders.

Battery Runtime

Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)

8h 46min

WiFi Surfing

5h 36min

DVD

4h 54min

Load (maximum brightness)

1h 42min

Verdict

As unspectacular and modest as business laptops may appear at first glance, you would never guess how much performance they often hide inside. In the Latitude E6430's case, we are faced with a slightly different case design - as usual, beauty is in the eye of the beholder - but the other qualities of the aluminum/magnesium chassis are convincing. Its stability and rigidness pleases immediately - just like the solid hinges that have a firm grip but nevertheless allow the lid to be opened smoothly. Beyond that, the maximum opening angle of 185° allows work in every (im)possible position - the vents are placed so that using the device on the lap does not leave you gasping for air.

However, the competition also convinces with solid and rigid cases. We admit that we would rather have a cheap configuration. Thus, we have to painfully live without a HD+ screen, as used in the ThinkPad T430 or Elitebook 8460p, for example. The test of the prior Latitude E6420 shows that Dell's HD+ screen option for a mere 37 Euros (~$48) extra would supply outdoor suitable brightness rates and thus be a very recommendable upgrade in contrast to our poor TN screen. The noise produced by the keys while typing on them also seems loud and clattery. The rest of our configuration is pleasing and the comparatively low-priced Latitude even breaks our record in PCMark 7's computing test and beats the now second-placed device by a whole 18%. The conventional hard disk also writes and reads quite fast and places yet another cornerstone for the system's very good speed. The modest as well as well-designed fan management also spares nerves, especially in larger offices.

In a nutshell: the purchase decision is yours - or better said, it depends on your intended use. If you like the case design, do not play sophisticated games and are not exactly planning to work with CAD software, there is absolutely nothing that speaks against the Latitude E6430. And it can be put on the desk at the office for a relatively low price.

Cons

Shortcut

What we like

The extremely solid case, Dell's well-designed energy saving and fan management and how well the Latitude manages energy are exemplary. We also like how much power can be squeezed out of the comparatively cheap hardware.

What we'd like to see

Our configuration lacks a lot to make us perfectly happy - but particularly the HD+ screen. Thus, we had to live with a limited resolution (1366 x 768) and limited outdoor suitability (screen is a bit too dark).

What surprises us

Our configuration's low price design that nevertheless is on a par with much more expensive contenders in terms of performance is surprising. They are even partly surpassed. In comparison the Latitude simply seems reasonable for this price.

The competition

The often listed contenders: Lenovo's Thinkpad T430, HP's Elitebook 8460p, Toshiba's Tecra R840. For making a purchase decision, a scrutinizing look at our Office section will certainly do no harm either.